Heather Maynard, Ph.D.

Professor Heather Maynard, UCLA’s Dr. Myung Ki Hong Endowed Chair in Polymer Science, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to the fields of polymer and materials chemistry, her exceptional scholarship, and her leadership within the department and broader scientific community.

“Heather’s election to the Academy not only highlights the national and international impact of her work, but also brings great distinction to our department and to UCLA,” said Department Chair Professor Alex Spokoyny. “We look forward to celebrating this well-deserved achievement… Continue reading.

People with diabetes take insulin to lower high blood sugar. However, if glucose levels plunge too low—from taking too much insulin or not eating enough sugar—people can experience hypoglycemia, which can lead to dizziness, cognitive impairment, seizures or comas. Emergency treatment with the hormone glucagon (GCG) may be needed. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have now developed a method to encapsulate glucagon in glucose-responsive micelles that only release the hormone when blood glucose levels become too low. Tests in mice confirmed that the injected nanocapsules activated only when blood sugar levels dropped dangerously low, and quickly restored glucose levels.

Research leads Andrea Hevener, PhD, Heather Maynard, PhD, and colleagues reported on their developments in ACS Central Science, in a paper titled “A Glucose-Responsive Glucagon-Micelle for the Prevention of Hypoglycemia… Continue reading.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the election of Heather Maynard, Ph.D., to its College of Fellows. Dr. Maynard was nominated, reviewed, and elected by peers and members of the College of Fellows for paradigm-shifting contributions to the synthesis of protein-polymer conjugates, protein stabilization, and protein drug delivery for disease treatment.

The College of Fellows is comprised of the top two percent of medical and biological engineers in the country. The most accomplished and distinguished engineering and medical school chairs, research directors, professors, innovators, and successful entrepreneurs comprise the College of Fellows. AIMBE Fellows are regularly recognized for their contributions in teaching, research, and innovation. AIMBE Fellows have been awarded the Nobel Prize, the Presidential Medal of Science and the Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation and many also are members of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Medicine, and the National Academy of Sciences… Continue reading.